spring 2016
In This Issue... New Master’s Degree in Administration
1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID ABERDEEN, SD PERMIT #200
The Journey to the Ministry Starts at MLC
Address Service Requested
Financial Literacy
InFocus Staff WRITER/EDITOR Laurie Gauger DMLC ’87 PHOTOGRAPHERS Jonathan Witte MLC ’18 Shelby Pitt MLC ’19 Adam Marley MLC ’17 STUDENT ASSISTANT Kylah Schroeder MLC ’18 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Office of Mission Advancement VICE PRESIDENT Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR William Pekrul DMLC ’80 ALUMNI DIRECTOR Steve Balza DMLC ’93 College Administration PRESIDENT Mark Zarling WLS ’80 VP for ADMINISTRATION Steven Thiesfeldt DMLC ’74 VP for ACADEMICS Jeffery Wiechman DMLC ’90 VP for STUDENT LIFE Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87 VP for MISSION ADVANCEMENT Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 Governing Board Chairman Michael Woldt WLS ’81 Vice Chairman Jonathan Kolander WLS ’91 Secretary Steven Rosenbaum DMLC ’86 Joe Archer DMLC ’77 Dale Krause Timothy Petermann Barry Price Duane Schmeichel WLS ’91 Michael Seifert WLS ’03 David Uhlhorn MLC ’99 Michael Valleau Steven Vasold MLC ’02 Mark Wessel WLS ’86
Which Way? The Way! President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 My smart phone has a GPS, and that wonderful device has directed me to my destination many times. I’m extremely appreciative, especially during a rainy night, in a strange town, and without my glasses! But as much as I appreciate a GPS, I’m still an old-fashioned map kind of guy. A GPS provides a narrow focus—a block-by-block path. But I can’t get a bigger sense of the city. I can’t always tell which way is north. When I use a map, I automatically get a bigger perspective, seeing my destination as part of a larger whole. The curriculum at MLC—is it a GPS or a map of each student’s journey into ministry? Like a GPS, does it focus students on specific courses they need to complete? Or, like a map, does it provide a larger picture—the outline of a minor, a major, a degree? It does both, I think. But I’m going to ask you to see an even bigger picture. Everything in MLC’s ministerial education program points to the Way! Jesus once made an astonishing claim: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). From Scripture we learn that in Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments (Colossians 2:3-4). For Christian students enlightened by the Spirit, every academic discipline reveals the wisdom and power and grace of our Savior Creator. There is no divide between secular and sacred. In him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17). Our students’ education at this Lutheran institution will be used by the Spirit to strengthen and sustain them in a biblical and Christocentric worldview. This worldview allows them to make decisions based upon the Savior’s mindset, not their own. It gives them discernment to assess and evaluate the world’s priorities. It shows them that in Scripture, God has revealed the answers to the soul’s deepest yearnings: questions of identity and purpose, of suffering and death, of the meaning of life and the hope of eternity. Every course at MLC reveals the goodness of God in Christ. Every course points our students to him who is the Way. Every program prepares these students to help others find him who is the Way. God bless our students’ journeys—and ours as well.
Advisory: Charles Degner WLS ’79 Randy Matter Paul Prange WLS ’88 Mark Schroeder WLS ’81 Mark Zarling WLS ’80
On our cover: Jonah, Elijah, and Josiah Kroll lead the processional for the 2015 MLC World Mission Service.
All InFocus magazines are online at mlc-wels.edu/ publications. If you’d like to receive your magazine electronically ONLY, please let us know. Contact Tami at boardtl@mlc-wels.edu.
MLC InFocus is published by Martin Luther College Mission Advancement Office and is distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Martin Luther College exists to serve the ministerial needs of the WELS. Comments are welcomed and should be directed to gaugerlf@mlc-wels.edu or Laurie Gauger, MLC InFocus, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073.
The alumni photos at the bottom of the pages are from the anniversary classes of MLC, NWC, and DMLC: ’41, ’46, ’51, ’56, ’61, ’66, ’71, ’76, ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01, ’06, and ’11. Thanks to Alumni Director Steve Balza DMLC ’93, who provided this random selection of alumni.
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Janice Weishahn DMLC 1966 Des Moines IA
Lisa Vogel DMLC 1991 Zion IL
Mark Zarling NWC 1976 Benton Harbor MI
Fifty Speakers Fire Up MLC Students at Evangelism Day
“Your Kingdom Come” was the theme of Martin Luther College’s eleventh annual Evangelism Day on January 20, 2016. The day opened with worship led by Pastor Mark Jeske WLS ’78 (St. Marcus-Milwaukee and Time of Grace Ministries). Then about 50 pastors, teachers, missionaries, staff ministers, and lay leaders addressed students about what’s happening out there and how the students can further prepare themselves to share the gospel: with Mormons, with the poor, in Spanish, in urban centers, on digital platforms, through early childhood ministries—the list goes on and on. One highlight this year was a presentation by an MLC student on the persecution of Christians in Syria. This student, a Syrian Christian himself, has taken Bible classes and joined our fellowship. His family remains in Syria, and we pray for them. Another highlight was a presentation by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Professor Daniel Leyrer WLS ’89, who spoke specifically to junior and senior men in preseminary studies about how they can equip their future congregations for evangelism.
Greg Schmill DMLC ’78, president of the Ministry Leadership Institute, presented “Facilitating Change to Do More Outreach” to MLC juniors.
Andrea Delf DMLC 1986 Burnt Hills NY
Gunnar Ledermann MLC 2011 Plymouth CA
MLC conducts its annual Evangelism Day in conjunction with the WELS Commission on Evangelism and Commission on Lutheran Schools. All students attend a blend of required and elective workshops. “It’s a day set aside so that the Spirit can fill the hearts of both faculty and students with excitement and gratitude,” said MLC President Mark Zarling WLS ’80. “Excitement as we learn more about the amazing things the Lord Jesus is doing through the gospel. Gratitude as we think of almost 50 people who come to New Ulm and share with us the good news about the power of the Good News.” Students responded enthusiastically to the day, each with their own memories of the speaker who brought them to tears, the ministry opportunity they’d never considered before, the “aha moment.” “This day not only motivates us all,” President Zarling continued, “but it keeps us grounded in our mission as a college and our connection to the Great Commission.”
In addition to preaching, Pastor Mark Jeske WLS ’78 also presented an elective on worship music.
Julie Krebs MLC 1996 Greendale WI
Marlyn Schroeder NWC 1951 Dale WI
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here on the
MLC Ranked Nationally for Quality & Affordability Thanks to your special gifts and congregational offerings, MLC is able to keep the cost of education low—so low, in fact, that we’ve received national attention. • Washington Monthly: MLC was again ranked in the top 10 in the nation in Washington Monthly’s Best-Bang-for-Your-Buck Baccalaureate Colleges. • MONEY: MLC is ranked #52 in MONEY magazine’s “Best Colleges” in the nation. About 1500 colleges and universities were ranked according to quality and affordability. Top 10 schools included Stanford, MIT, Princeton, and Harvard. At #52 MLC ranks higher than 96.5% of all US colleges and universities. MLC is the highest ranking Minnesota college and the highest ranking Lutheran college in the nation. • USA Today: MLC was ranked #4 by College Factual, as reported in USA Today’s article, “Best 10 Colleges for the Money.” USA Today reported that our total degree cost of less than $80,000 makes “Martin Luther College very underpriced when compared to schools of similar quality.”
Wind Symphony to Tour the Midwest The 65+ members of the Wind Symphony, under the direction of Professor Miles Wurster, will take their spring concert on the road in May, with stops in South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Plan to attend a performance near you or follow the group online at the MLC Facebook page. Sat, Apr 16 Martin Luther College 7:30 pm Sun, May 15 St. John, Redwood Falls MN (worship) 10:30 am Sun, May 15 Great Plains LHS, Watertown SD 7:00 pm Mon, May 16 West LHS, Plymouth MN 2:00 pm Mon, May 16 St. Croix LHS, West St. Paul MN 7:00 pm Tue, May 17 St. Matthew, Winona MN 1:00 pm
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Catherine Ulrich DMLC 1976 Russell KS
Daniel Schroeder NWC 1991 Saginaw MI
Tue, May 17 Wed, May 18 Wed, May 18 Thu, May 19 Fri, May 20
Christ, West Salem WI 7:00 pm St. Andrew, Middleton WI 1:00 pm Eastside, Madison WI 7:00 pm St. John, Libertyville IL 12:30 pm Wisconsin Luth. School, Racine WI 10:00 am
Leland Grams NWC 1941 Markesan WI
Eileen Lincoln DMLC 1971 Glendale AZ
Congratulations, Graduates! Degrees were conferred on 22 graduates on December 17, 2015, in Chapel of the Christ. President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 preached on Isaiah 40:31: “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Five graduates received assignments.
Call for Submissions Tenth Annual Thalassa Prize: Martin Luther College has now begun accepting submissions for the tenth annual Thalassa Prize. This prize is awarded to the best photo-and-essay submission from an MLC student or graduate who has served in an international ministry. Because 2016 is the tenth anniversary of the contest, the prize will be doubled to $2000. Past winners: 2007 Kristina Wessel, Dominican Republic 2008 Rachel Kionka, Malawi 2009 Rachel Meyer, Southeast Asia 2010 Gretchen Schmiege, Southeast Asia 2011 Amber Schlomer, Southeast Asia 2012 Paul Kelm, Czech Republic 2013 Maria Reese, Malawi 2014 Chris Pluger, Zambia 2015 Sara Schmeling, Russia
2015 WINNER: SARA SCHMELING “God’s Light in a World of Darkness”
For submission guidelines, go to mlc-wels.edu/thalassa. New Deadline: April 15, 2016.
Larry Lemke NWC 1971 Onalaska WI
Jason Burgstiner MLC 2006 Rincon GA
Winning photos and essays may be found at mlc-wels.edu/thalassa/past-winner
Faye Krueger DMLC 1991 Rockford IL
Larry Pautz NWC 1961 Larrabee WI
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here on the
Anchor Raises Funds for WELS Prison Ministry
Preseminary Students Lead Devotions
Anchor, MLC’s student service club, raised over $1000 last fall for WELS Prison Ministry. Here, Anchor officers are pictured with former MLC student Brad Price, who serves as administrator for WELS Prison Ministry.
Daniel Schmidt (St. John-Wetaskiwin, Alberta, pictured) and other MLC seniors in preseminary studies lead Thursday evening devotions for the residents of Highland Regency House, the senior living facility near MLC’s campus.
Anchor members also host a formal spring fundraiser called Night on the Town, make weekly visits to local nursing care facilities, and volunteer for other service opportunities that arise on campus or in the community.
The students write their own devotions and present them first at MLC evening chapel.
Anchor officers from left: Treasurer Amber Zibrowki (Mt. Olive-Mankato MN), Head of Mission Advancement Rachel Frost (Mt. Olive-Appleton WI), Secretary Gina Radue (Mt. Calvary-Waukesha WI), Vice President Adam Marley (Living Hope-Midlothian VA), Brad Price, President Jacob Seelman (Salem-Sturgeon Bay WI), Historian Emma Schultz (First-Lake Geneva WI), and Nursing Home Coordinators Lindsay Hughes (Good Shepherd-West Bend WI) and Conifer Berg (St. Peter-Appleton WI).
”We are so thankful,” said Campus Pastor John Boeder WLS ’90, “that our preseminary men can get a taste of ministering to seniors through this experience.”
Tour Our New Website! We hope you like the new mobile-friendly look of the MLC website. Check it out at mlc-wels.edu/website-tour. And, of course, comments are welcome!
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Andrew Schmiege MLC 2011 Chesaning MI
Katherine Stelljes MLC 1996 Columbia MO
Harold Hagedorn NWC 1966 Neillsville WI
Carol Miller DMLC 1961 Tomah WI
MLC and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary: Training New Pastors Together About 35 faculty members from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS) and MLC met in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in February to review the coordination of MLC’s preseminary program of study with the seminary program of study. As with past meetings, the professors discussed academic and student life issues that impact the preparation of young men for the pastoral ministry in WELS congregations. Among the many topics discussed were the study of Spanish, improving writing skills, characteristics of the millennial generation student, financial literacy, and student health issues. “One of the blessings of having a ministerial education system,” said WLS President Paul Wendland WLS ’79, “is how closely
we work together, coordinating our curriculums and providing good Christian encouragement for each other in our task of preparing the next generation of pastors.” MLC President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 added, “I cherish the opportunities to gather as faculties entrusted by the Good Shepherd to train undershepherds for his precious flock.” Zarling noted many blessings: oneness in faith and purpose, a curriculum aligned from college to seminary to the needs of our church body, the desire to know and pray for each pastoral student by name, and “the Spirit-worked commitment to the Holy Scriptures as the inerrant and inspired voice of God, revealing the unconditional gospel of salvation in Jesus.”
Next Stop: The Seminary Juniors in preseminary studies spent a couple days at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS) in February, glimpsing life at the next stop on their journey to the ministry. Though a snowstorm shortened their stay, the 35 students did attend classes, worship in the chapel, stay in the dorms, and participate in a Q&A with WLS seniors. “It gave us all a great picture of the lighthearted times that sem students experience,” said Martin Loescher (David’s Star-Jackson WI), “as well as the purpose and drive that the seminary instills in its students.” “I really enjoyed talking to seminary seniors,” added Erich Neumann (St. Stephen-Adrian MI), “and being encouraged to continue in my studies, even though it may be hard, because spreading God’s Word is very rewarding.” Isaac Hayes (Emmanuel-Tempe AZ), Jonny Lehmann (Peace-Janesville WI), Martin Loescher (David’s Star-Jackson WI), and Erich Neumann (St. Stephen-Adrian MI)
Raymond Kimbrough NWC 1981 Milwaukee WI
Mary Held DMLC 1986 Loveland CO
John H Nitz NWC 1986 Sun City AZ
Paul Hoffman MLC 1996 Chandler AZ
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Colleges Connect at Winter Weekend Retreat It’s hard to say which moment of the first WLC-MLC Winter Retreat warmed everyone’s hearts more. Maybe it was the way the Wisconsin Lutheran College students lined up and cheered as the MLC bus pulled up to the retreat center outside Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Maybe it was the instant mingling of 100 students, completely eradicating any concerns about cliques or competition. Maybe it was the Bible study on vocation, where students openly discussed the blessings and challenges that exist whenever called workers and lay people work and worship together. Or maybe it was the long goodbye—the hugs and laughter and plans for future get-togethers that went on and on as the buses idled outside. Whatever it was, leaders at both colleges knew they’d hit on something big, and the students’ one-word descriptions of the event confirmed it: inspiring, refreshing, amazing, electrifying, awesome, fantastic, fulfilling, edifying, unforgettable, uplifting . . .
The leaders of the first annual WLC-MLC Winter Retreat coordinated the planning and led worship, workshops, and fun & games for almost 100 students from the two colleges. Back row: WLC Campus Pastor Greg Lyon WLS ’10, WLC Campus Ministry Coordinator Marla Koepke, WLC Dean of Student Life Nathan Strobel WLS ’90; Middle row: MLC VP for Mission Advancement Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94, WLC Campus Pastor Wayne Shevey WLS ’99, Vicar Scott Henrich MLC ’13, Front row: WLC Director of Health Services Karen Fischer, MLC Event Coordinator Michelle Gartner MLC ’93, Vicar Nate Wordell MLC ’12, Vicar Caleb Schmiege MLC ’12
“We’re so grateful that Pastor Nathan Strobel at WLC invited us to do a joint retreat with them,” said Michelle Gartner DMLC ’93, MLC event coordinator. “The students walked away knowing they’re all equals, brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter what line of work they end up in. We hope this is the first retreat of many!”
Students from MLC and WLC played games inside and out at the winter weekend retreat in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Wessel Delivers Aulic on WELS Relationship With Other Lutherans In February, Professor Keith Wessel WLS ’91 spoke to students about WELS’ relationship with three other conservative Lutheran synods: the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and the Confessional Lutheran Church.
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of where the WELS has been, where we are now, and where we might be going in our relationship with these synods. The student committee hosted three other Aulics in 2015-2016:
Liturgical Art
He gave his talk, “WELS Table Talk - Sitting Down with the ELS, LCMS, and CLC,” in response to a request from the student Aulic Committee. The committee’s mission is to facilitate “free, informative presentations on relevant subjects based on the research of highly qualified individuals.”
Minnesota Valley LHS art teacher Jason Jaspersen
In his Aulic, Professor Wessel, a member of the WELS Commission on Inter-Church Relations, gave a brief overview
Missionary Guy Marquardt WLS ’94
Luther & Literature: Captive to the Text MLC Professor Brian Dose WLS ’85
Deliberating a World Mission Call
Sports
Focus On
By Sports Information Director Michael Gibbons
Fall All-UMAC Honorees Men’s Golf
Women’s Soccer
Josh Hansen (St. Martin’s-Watertown SD) – First Team
Jenna Maurer (Good Shepherd-South Attleboro MA) – Second Team Alyssa Maertz (St. Martin’s-Watertown SD) – Honorable Mention
Men’s Cross Country Grey Davis (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI) – Second Team Darian Schnose (Emanuel-Tawas City MI) – Second Team Justin Wilkens (Bethlehem-Manassas VA) – Second Team
Men’s Soccer Aaron Swanson (Resurrection-Rochester MN) – Second Team & Rookie of the Year Aaron Markgraf (Beautiful Savior-Cincinnati) – Second Team Micah Koelpin (Calvary-Dallas) – Second Team
Josh Hansen
Volleyball Kira Grev (Divinity-St. Paul) – First Team Jade St. Germaine (St. Mark’s-Watertown WI) – Honorable Mention
Football Matt Olson (Christ-North St. Paul MN) – First Team
Alyssa Maertz
Kira Grev
Grey Davis
Matt Olson
Knights Lead UMAC with 84 Academic Honorees Martin Luther College led all Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) schools with 84 fall semester student-athletes named Academic All-UMAC. These student-athletes finished their semester of competition with a GPA of 3.5 or better. The Knights also finished with the highest team GPA in six of the eight fall semester sports: women’s cross country (3.746), football (3.023), men’s golf (3.44), men’s soccer (3.252), women’s soccer (3.708), and volleyball (3.596).
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“Financial Assistance” For the Years After College – One winter day, an MLC student pulled Mrs. JoElyn Krohn aside and told her she was going to take her advice: she was going to pay some of the interest on her unsubsidized loans even though she didn’t have to start paying it back until after graduation. It’s fair to say that student made Mrs. Krohn’s day. That’s because advising students on the best way to manage their college loans is the crux of JoElyn Krohn’s job. She fills a brand-new position on MLC’s staff, one created in response to the WELS Conference of Presidents’ concerns about graduates’ debt. The position is financial literacy coordinator, and the program she’s created is called MLC Direction. Krohn’s primary function is to meet one on one with students at pivotal times in their college careers—as first-year or transfer students, and again as graduating students—to discuss their financial situation and help them understand the best ways to keep their college loan debt low and pay it off quickly.
When graduating seniors meet with Mrs. Krohn, they review their total accumulated loan debt, make an online account with the loan servicer (if they haven’t already), and examine their monthly payment based on the standard (10-year) repayment plan. If their debt is exceptionally high, Krohn talks through other options, including an application for an income-based repayment. Krohn and the graduating students also complete personal budgets based on projected income and expenses, and she reminds them of the importance of establishing an emergency fund, contributing to a retirement plan as soon as possible, and ultimately living within their means. “I want to make sure they understand what it will likely feel like to have a regular income and the responsibilities they will now need to pay for themselves. For male called workers, we also discuss the minister of the gospel tax status and strategies to help make that process a bit easier.”
These hour-long meetings have shown overwhelmingly positive results. Although some students are skeptical coming in, they leave convinced that they have a better understanding of their finances and better strategies to manage their loans.
After the meetings, some students are surprised: “Living is expensive!” one commented. And some are relieved. “I had no idea what my financial situation was going to be while at the seminary. I now feel comfortable after seeing my loan repayment plans and creating a sample budget.”
One first-year student commented, “I need to pace myself with loan amounts.” Another said, “I want to start paying off these loans early.”
Yet another senior observed sagely, “I’m glad MLC is taking an initiative to inform their students about all they will need to consider as future called workers.” And that’s primarily why the position of financial literacy coordinator was established at MLC. “Students are accumulating debt,” Krohn says. “For called workers this is particularly concerning, since their income potential is limited compared to many other careers, and financial burdens can be a reality without proper financial preparation. “Our goal is to help students make smart decisions in college and to transition to life after college with as little stress and as few financial constraints as possible. This will not only help the individual students, but we pray it will also
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Michelle Lamb MLC 2001 Eldorado WI
John Kanter DMLC 1981 Hales Corners WI
Tanya Spevacek MLC 2001 Whiteriver AZ
Lloyd Lemke NWC 1971 Cudahy WI
MLC’s New Financial Literacy Program Helps Students Manage College Costs have a positive impact on our congregations, schools, and synod. “I look forward to hearing back from students after they’ve started teaching or preaching,” she continues, “after they’ve begun their full financial responsibilities. That’s when I’ll truly know if these meetings made an impact.” In addition to the one-on-one meetings, JoElyn is reaching students through guest speaker presentations on topics like credit reports, identity theft, and investing, and through Facebook posts linked to informational articles and scholarship opportunities. It’s all part of her “snack-size” approach to financial literacy, she says. “I want students to take interest. I want to make it a positive experience for them to talk about finances. I want them to have access to resources that are helpful and not overwhelming. But I don’t want it to be so dense that they are ‘stuffed’ and can’t easily digest the information. I want the information to be concise and easily understood, building on basic principles and topics.” Another snack-sized component of her program is an online curriculum called CashCourse. Funded by the non-profit National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), the CashCourse modules are short, relevant, and easy to use. Students are required to complete different online modules each year of college.
of the CashCourse modules with a grant and selected MLC as a “Success Story.” They featured the college’s burgeoning financial literacy program in their January newsletter: “Martin Luther College: A Personalized Approach to Financial Literacy.” (Use QR code or go to info.cashcourse.org and type MLC in the search box.) “It is pretty humbling to have our financial literacy program highlighted in its first year,” Krohn concedes. The crush of college loans is certainly a problem in our country, with statistics telling us that college debt has surpassed credit card debt for several years. The majority of MLC students also carry this burden. But the new financial literacy program at MLC is here to help, giving the term “financial assistance” a whole new meaning. JoElyn Krohn brings a broad spectrum of experience to her position at MLC. She has a BA in elementary education from Concordia University, St. Paul, and an MS in college student affairs from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She’s worked as a front desk associate for Marriott Company, a flight attendant for Mesa and Mesaba Airlines, a service associate in the business office of Cornell University, the assistant director of financial aid at St. Olaf College, and an English teacher in Shanghai. “God has truly had a vision that I could not have possibly seen at the time,” she says. “He has prepared me the last decade for this particular job at this particular college with these particular students. It is a blessing.”
A satisfying confirmation of Krohn’s work occurred in November. The NEFE recognized Krohn’s promotion and use
Helping Students Manage the Cost of College An excerpt from an article written by JoElyn Krohn for MLC ParentsPage, March 2016. . . . A recent article from MarketWatch noted that nearly 70% of graduates had student loan debt and the average debt for 2015 graduates was $35,051. Although the average loan debt at MLC was almost $10,000 less—$25,519—it’s still a financial burden that students will carry for many years. . . . Higher education costs are increasing at a rapid rate. This is partly due to reduced funding (cuts to both federal and state education budgets and the loss of value on endowments), but the predominant reason is that it’s simply more expensive to operate a college. Employee health care premiums are
Travis Wendt MLC 1996 Aurora NE
Eileen Poole DMLC 1966 Phoenix AZ
increasing. Building improvement costs are ongoing demands. Campus amenities—comfortable housing, high-quality athletic facilities, state-of-the-art technology—must be maintained to meet students’ expectations and remain competitive in the college search. All these factors impact the cost of a college education. While MLC strives to provide excellent education in an inviting environment with ample amenities, we also make a concerted effort to keep costs as low as possible for our families. The tuition for 2016-2017 only increased 3% while financial aid increased 5%. . . . Full article: mlc-wels.edu/go/college-costs
Nathan Kassulke MLC 2001 Inver Grove Heights MN
Mayu Takada MLC 2011 Higashikurume mlc-wels.edu 11 Japan 11
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Swimming With Stingrays in Jamaica “We handled organisms some people never see in their entire lives,” said Hannah Midthun (Grace-Milwaukee). “We hiked through the jungle and swam with stingrays and even climbed a waterfall.” A chemistry and life science double major at MLC, Hannah thinks every day about the Marine Ecology course she took last January in Jamaica. She and Hannah VanNatta (St. Paul-Platteville WI), both pictured, were two of the 16 MLC students enrolled in this Martin Luther College/Wisconsin Lutheran College course taught at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory of the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. MLC’s Professor Emeritus Dr. Roger Klockziem DMLC ’63, MLC’s Dr. Lawrence Olson WLS ’83, and WLC’s Professor Courtney Moll taught the course, which has been co-sponsored by the two colleges since 1995. Daniel Fenske DMLC ’87, MLC’s new science professor, also enrolled as a student in the course. Dr. Klockziem says the course covers both Jamaican ecology and Jamaican culture. “This course exposes students to a
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Rebekah Marten MLC 2001 Wyoming MI
Reuben Stock NWC 1946 Thief River Falls MN
third-world country; provides lectures on religious, political, economic, and historical features of Jamaica; conducts an ethnographic experience for students with an ecology focus; and immerses students in a hands-on learning format.” Students explore four different habitats: turtle grass beds, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, and rocky shores with tide pool communities. They hike, swim, snorkel, and work in a wet lab. They collect creatures, monitor their behavior, and then release them back into the bay. “Unique creatures this trip,” says Dr. Klockziem, “were the Medusa worm, spotted trunk fish, and sea biscuit sea star.” Dr. Olson leads daily devotions and presents lectures on the history, culture, geography, and religion of Jamaica. Students also keep a daily journal and write a reflective essay on Jamaican culture in addition to their ecological research. “There’s a great synthesis of the talents of students and professors from MLC and WLC,” Klockziem says. “The course is an engaging way for students to study the ecological interactions that illustrate the majesty of God’s creative and preserving power.” Hannah Midthun agrees. She’s looking forward to incorporating what she’s learned in her own science classroom someday. “I’ve always really appreciated science because the hands-on opportunities you have for learning are just endless.” Students from MLC and WLC studied marine ecology in Jamaica in January 2016.
Joel Spaude NWC 1986 Watertown WI
Robert McLain MLC 1996 Redding CA
THE
Journey
SPECIAL SECTION
TO THE MINISTRY STARTS AT MLC
Do you know a young man or woman who would be a great pastor, teacher, or staff minister? Share these pages with them! Want more? Check out the Spring 2016 KnightWatch at mlc-wels.edu/publications/KnightWatch
Starting the Journey: How some students decided to enroll
Fellow Travelers: Who’s taking the journey with you—fellow students who will be your friends for life.
Light for the Journey: How MLC provides the best kind of
Immersing Yourself: How immersion experiences of various kinds can add extra adventure to your journey.
The Itinerary: What an MLC college education looks like—the courses and the professors who teach them.
The Destination: What MLC students are shooting for—a life
at MLC—and what you can learn from them.
guidance to you.
The Side Trips: What MLC students do when they’re not
dedicated to sharing the good news of our Savior Jesus with a world that needs it!
hitting the books.
David Wendt NWC 1991 Las Vegas NV
Kristen Laete MLC 2006 Spokane WA
Richard Voswinkel NWC 1976 Randolph NJ
Kate Schaffer MLC 2006 Pierre SD
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Journey STARTING THE
Some students are sure. They’ve known their whole lives they want to be a pastor or teacher or staff minister. Some wonder. They think their gifts might be a good fit for ministry. And some (let’s be honest) have no idea. They come with open hearts and minds, ready to learn more about the ministry—and then make a decision. Sure or unsure, most students can tell a story of encouragement—someone who tapped them on the shoulder and said, “I can see you in a classroom or pulpit someday. I can see you at MLC.” Here are a couple of their stories.
jonah kroll
megan ungemach
Michigan LHS
Manitowoc LHS
First-Year Elementary Ed & PE
Senior Early Childhood Ed
For 18 years I’ve been watching my dad: It’s just so amazing how day in and day out he serves others and proclaims Christ’s love, not only with his words but with the little things he does for people. He accepted a call to serve in a country where there is not always peace—Cameroon, Africa—and he accepted it with joy in his heart. I watch him show his God-fearing faith, and that's what I want for my life—to have others look at the way I live and say, “He is a Christian.” I see MLC as a school of love: The professors at MLC are all amazing people. For years they’ve taught students what it means to be a Christian. The joy of spreading his Word to little children is amazing; there is no greater joy on earth than knowing you’ve brought peace, joy, and happiness to a little lamb of God by proclaiming Christ has died for them and he loves them. Jonah Kroll joined his brothers Josiah (holding the cross) and Elijah (next to Jonah) in the processional for the 2015 MLC World Mission Service. Their father, Pastor Dan Kroll, delivered the sermon via Skype from Cameroon.
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Mrs. Naumann made me fall in love with teaching: For kindergarten through fourth grade, I was in a classroom with five grades in Benton Harbor, Michigan. My teacher, Mrs. June Naumann DMLC ’74 (pictured here with Megan, right, and her sister Anna, left) allowed me to correct spelling workbooks, help the younger children, lead groups in read-alouds, and be “in charge” when we worked in the hallway. I loved the feeling of being a teacher, and I haven’t lost that love yet! Student teaching at the MLC Early Childhood Learning Center: I worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The days went by so quickly, and each day I left amazed by how much I’d learned from the children, my co-teachers, and my advisors. My professors show me I can do this: In the early childhood classes, Professor Jennie Mehlberg and Professor Cheryl Loomis have a wonderful way of sharing their experience and expertise and helping you make the information your own. My favorite was Administration of Early Childhood Programs. The thought of being a director of a center is a little daunting, but that class helped me to realize that with God by my side, I can accomplish any task that the Lord calls me to do.
LIGHT FOR THE
Journey
At MLC, you’ll have light for your journey—the very Word of God. You’ll hear it in morning and evening worship at the beautiful Chapel of the Christ. In Bible studies led by professors and peers. In theology courses—from Bible history to the Lutheran Confessions to Scripture in the original Greek and Hebrew. In fact, you’ll hear it in every class you take, because every class is taught in the light of God’s Word and with your future public ministry in mind.
tessa heiling Redwood Valley HS-MN
philip schroeder
Junior Elementary Ed & Social Studies
Junior Preseminary Studies
Growing in faith through study and worship: I’ve witnessed some friends and even family members fall away from faith. I chose to come to MLC because more than anything I wanted to keep growing in my faith. I’m more than happy to say that through the classes and worship that MLC provides, I have grown strong in my faith and still continue to grow.
The light of the Word: I started Hebrew with Professor Thomas Nass this year. I love being able to go to the original Hebrew to look at the Old Testament. I’m very excited to study John’s Gospel in Greek with Professor John Schmidt as well.
Growing in faith even through sports: I feel that my spiritual life is bursting at the seams when I am with my cross country teammates. There’s so much laughter and encouragement, and we bond through game days, team devotionals, team dinners and parties, and, of course, races.
Luther Prep
The light in song: I’m in College Choir. I really like that the songs we pick are so scripturally sound and that I’m able to use my gifts to proclaim the gospel in song. Sharing the light: I’ve been able to lead a Bible class at school for the guys in my dorm (pictured). It’s a great way to gain experience for my future ministry. I was also able to go to Christ Our Savior-Sterling VA to help lead a Bible sports camp. I led devotion, canvassed, and talked to many people about Jesus! It was also great to see a different part of the country!
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Itinerary
THE
ROAD TO THE PULPIT AND THE CLASSROOM
Future pastors, your four years of studies at MLC will include Bible, doctrine, Greek and Hebrew, a non-biblical language, history, English, science, math, music, and PE. You and your brothers will encourage each other as you prepare to serve the Savior through a noble calling he himself established. . . . Future teachers, Martin Luther College is the only college that can prepare you for both state licensure and synod certification, qualifying you to teach in WELS schools. Your itinerary at MLC will include gen ed courses, theology courses, and professional education courses geared specifically to the level and content area you hope to teach. . . . All future called workers, our goal is to prepare you for wherever God’s gifts and God’s call take you.
isaac hayes
hope werre
Junior Preseminary Studies
Senior / Elementary Ed & Instrumental & Vocal Music
Arizona Lutheran Academy
When I first became a Lutheran in seventh grade: I had no idea who Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were, and jumping right into confirmation class was not a simple task either. But thanks be to God, I absorbed everything quickly—especially the truth that it is by grace we are saved, not by our works. I thank God for Pastor Sims: I already wanted to be someone who worked around people, but God planted a wonderful desire in my heart: becoming a pastor who gets to share this awesome and saving message of the gospel. Pastor Snowden (Gene) Sims WLS ‘89 was (and still is) a great mentor and brother in Christ who encouraged me along the way. An amazing course: A course that has had a great impact on me is Hebrew with Professor Thomas Nass. It’s quite astonishing to see that this is the language God used to communicate his Word, including the promise of our Savior Jesus Christ. If you’re thinking about MLC: Each of you has unique talents (big or small or in between), and MLC is a place where those talents can be developed, possibly for the ministry. Don’t see it as pressure, but rather as a wonderful opportunity where you can serve your Savior.
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Lakeside LHS
Dr. Cindy Whaley, who teaches methods courses like Teaching Reading, is a huge inspiration to me. She’s so passionate about teaching, and she sincerely cares for and prays for each one of us students. I’ve learned so much from her about what it means to make a difference in a child's life!
dillon solomon
Michigan Lutheran Seminary First-Year / Elementary Ed & Math Day after day, Professor Matt Pearson’s enthusiasm inspires me to be a teacher just like him.
megan fury
Luther Preparatory School Sophomore / Early Childhood Ed I really enjoyed my two classes with Professor Cheryl Loomis last semester: Arts and Movement and Child Development. It’s awesome to dive into my early childhood major and learn how I'm going to teach these young ones.
Immersing
YOURSELF On some journeys, you’re just passing through. Other times, you stay a while, immersing yourself in the local culture, learning how the people live, what they love, what they’re looking for. MLC students study—and teach!—in congregations all over our country and in countries all over the world. Take a Spanish or Mandarin immersion trip. Teach high school in South Korea or adults in Russia. Teach VBS in New York. Run a Bible sports camp in Hawaii. Whatever you choose, MLC is your threshold to the world, making your journey that much more of an adventure.
erin schmeling bohl St. Croix LHS
hannah midthun
Senior Early Childhood Ed
Senior Chemistry & Life Science
Africa is an experience I will never forget. It still holds a special place in my heart, and I think and pray about it daily. While we were there, we taught a Bible lesson, led a music lesson, and did an art project for vacation Bible school. Although our music, clothing, language, and architecture are different, we worship the same God both in America and in Africa. Erin is pictured above, far right.
Over spring break 2015, I traveled to Arizona with three friends—Aaron Markgraf (WLA), Hannah Schmidt (WLA), and Eric Uher (WISCO)—to canvass and take surveys for Peace Lutheran in Queen Creek. I had never been to the Southwest, so it was really awesome to see such a unique landscape. The memories will last me a lifetime. From front porch conversations with strangers to hours of preparing canvassing materials, I will always remember our awesome week in Arizona. MLC offers so many different opportunities for students to get out into the field and experience the public ministry firsthand. I plan on going on another Daylight trip this year.
Anytime you step foot into a new classroom as a teacher and put into practice the things you’ve been learning is a fun day. There were parts of all my Early Field Experiences—including preschool in West St. Paul, Minnesota, and grades 1-3 in Toledo, Ohio—that I will take with me into my future classroom. There’s a beauty in seeing the things other teachers do that you think you could implement in your own classroom one day. I just finished my student teaching semester, and I learned a ton about myself as a person and a teacher.
WISCO
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Destination THE
We might call it the end of the road, but really, it’s just the beginning of your life as a called worker in God’s church. One mission. Endless opportunities. It all starts at MLC.
ryan klatt and jessica (buller) klatt MLC Class of 2014
Sometimes you find the love of your life at MLC. Ryan and I met freshman year and had many of the same friends. We both lived in the Twin Cities, so we started hanging out. The summer after sophomore year we went to a Twins game, and a year later, we were engaged. We got married about a month after we graduated, which brought many changes in a short amount of time. New jobs, new home, and being married! MLC was a great experience for both of us. We loved being surrounded by Christian friends and professors who wanted the very best for us! We loved our time on campus, going to chapel, hanging with friends, and getting prepared for the calling that the Lord would send us. God has given both calls to teach in Manitowoc, Wisconsin: Ryan is the principal, half-time 7-8 grade teacher, and boys’ basketball coach at First German. Jessica is the kindergarten teacher and assistant volleyball and girls’ basketball coach at Bethany. They feel well-prepared by MLC. All the early field experiences and clinical experiences allowed us to see how other teachers kept their classrooms running smoothly and prepared us to have classrooms of our own. Through our education courses, we learned how children interact and how to set up a curriculum and teach, so the students are engaged and learning to their fullest potential. Best thing about MLC: MLC kept the focus on God being the priority in our lives. Not just trying to be the best teacher or making it through, but doing everything we can to thank God for all of the wonderful gifts he has given us.
Ryan and Jessica’s wedding party included 11 friends from MLC.
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nate wordell MLC ’12 WLS ’16
As Assignment Day approaches: A call into the ministry is a crazy thing to think about. Huge responsibilities like leading people in their study of God’s Word. Huge blessings like helping struggling people with their most desperate needs. Huge unknowns like where I’m going to live. So I try not to think about it. No matter where I go, the God who controls every molecule in the universe has his eye on me. He’s in charge of what happens, and he’s promised to bless me. So I try to take him at his word and not let my brain run away with crazy future-thoughts. Lord willing I’ll be in full-time ministry soon. Then I’ll have plenty of time to think about long-term plans and blessings.
MLC taught me about God’s Word. Whether I become a pastor or not, the most important thing I can do is read my Bible. That is hands-down my biggest takeaway from MLC.
That’s what I’d tell a high school guy too. Nobody is asking you to commit to a lifetime. Nobody is asking you to be a super genius or the life of every party. We all need to focus on the same thing: working as hard as we can to use the gifts God has given us in the situation God has placed us—trusting God to bless our successes and our shortcomings. High school guy, don’t worry about being a pastor right now. You’ve got years to learn about that. Just think about one semester. Work hard, have fun, and see where God takes you. That’s all I’m doing!
At the seminary we work hard to put together people knowledge with Bible knowledge. If I can be a pastor who knows who people need, and knows what the Bible tells us about that man, that would be a wonderful blessing. I started getting those tools at MLC.
When I look back: My time at MLC was crazy. I was always running from one activity to the next—class, sports, choir, friends, lots of stuff in between. I did as much as I could, learned as much as I could, and slept as little as possible. The memories that stick with me are the children’s theater plays—I had so much fun the first time I did it every year. Also the times I sat up late at night and talked with the guys. My roommates, the RAs, and even the tutors would stay up and talk about music, sports, worship, politics, girls, and everything in between! I made the best friends of my life at MLC.
MLC helped me better understand people. As I chatted with people at lunch, did group projects for class, learned about history and literature and science, I learned about people. I learned that no matter how neatly everyone polishes up their outside appearances, they’re all just like me on the inside, at least in one way: we’re all messed up. MLC taught me how much people need Jesus—myself included.
When I was like 6 years old, my pastors were Bill Bader and Norris Baumann in Onalaska, Wisconsin. I thought they were so cool. They were important, but they still knew who I was. When it came time to think about college, I remembered those pastors, and I thought I’d regret it if I didn’t at least give MLC a shot. I went to MLC with an open mind. I’d be fine if I stayed; I’d be fine if I left. When I got there I fell more and more in love with it. The classes were tough but interesting, the people were encouraging, and the activities were fun. So I stuck around. Another thing that kept my interest was mission trips. Every year during spring or summer break I worked with a VBS or a summer camp. Those were good motivators. So now here I am a few months from Assignment Day. Sometimes God changes lives through big emotional events, but sometimes he changes lives slow and steady through really regular stuff. That’s how he blessed me.
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New Master’s Program at MLC:
Training for Principals and ECE Directors “I believe my job is to help children use and develop their God-given abilities to serve their Lord, their family, their neighbors, and their congregation.” So says Lynn Craker Jungen DMLC ’80 of St. Peter-Mishicot, Wisconsin. As the sole faculty member—both teacher and director—at Tiny Treasures Preschool at St. Peter’s, she is also intent on developing her own abilities so she can serve her congregation as well as possible. She’s been pursuing professional growth for years in education, but she’s also wanted to strengthen her administration skills—things like determining and overseeing the budget, fulfilling state requirements, and marketing the preschool in her community. That’s why she’s so excited that Martin Luther College has now established a new Master of Science in Educational Administration degree. “I’ve been waiting for this a long time,” she says. The new degree program has two separate emphases, Principal and Early Childhood Director. While a principal and an ECE director share many of the same administrative tasks, each position has unique challenges and opportunities. The two emphases of this program address those distinctions.
Like all busy WELS teachers, Jungen appreciates the convenience and flexibility of online courses. With a call that also includes Sunday school superintendent, vacation Bible school director, and organist, she simply wouldn’t be able to come to campus for an extended period of time. MLC’s new educational administration program fills all her needs. “I’m truly thankful MLC developed their master’s programs. MLC uses Christ-centered education to make me a better servant for Christ, my congregation, my families, and my students.” Meet Lynn Jungen: “I’ve been married to fellow 1980 DMLC alum, Scott, for 35½ years. I spend my spare seconds sewing, quilting, and making jewelry. I include my quilting in the curriculum, where the class makes a quilt when studying letter Q. I’m a lifelong Packer backer and Badger fan. I jokingly tell others I have a mixed marriage, as my husband is from Washington DC and loves all things Redskins and Maryland Terrapins.”
Jungen says the master’s courses are impacting her ministry already. “The Leadership for Change course helped me think more deeply about the ways I can help my parents and congregation improve their preschool. And School Business Administration helped me plan enrollment marketing strategies. My contact letters and mailings are improved due to lessons learned in this course.” She says she’s taken a number of courses at excellent public universities. “But something was missing, and that was Christ. It’s so refreshing to take classes with fellow Lutheran teachers. The courses at MLC connect directly to my ministry, so I don’t have to pick and choose the material that applies, as I did in public college classes.” Her knowledge base is growing—as is her arsenal of research-based best practices—and these only increase her joy in teaching. “The joy is sitting in front of my students daily and sharing the good news of God’s love for sinners. The majority of my students have either never heard about Jesus or have a very limited idea about God. Watching the Holy Spirit create and strengthen faith in his little ones is astounding, and I thank God every day for this privilege.”
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Lucinda Dosela DMLC 1961 San Carlos AZ
Thomas Westra NWC 1981 Beaver Dam WI
Franklin Bowerman DMLC 1966 Michigan City IN
Jill Douglas DMLC 1981 Neenah WI
Training for WELS Principals and ECE Directors A Comprehensive Approach Martin Luther College and the Commission for Lutheran Schools (CLS) are partners working toward a vision where every WELS principal and early childhood director is fully trained prior to receiving a school leadership call. The following approaches are steps toward meeting that vision.
FULL TRAINING MLC’s NEW Master of Science in Educational Administration
NEARLY FULL TRAINING
MLC’s Master of Science in Education with Leadership Emphasis
INITIAL TRAINING
LEADERSHIP RECRUITMENT
CLS’s Principal and ECE Director Apprentice Program: A trained principal/mentor walks the new principal apprentice through his first two years using the MLC graduate course Issues in Administration as a guide.
CLS’s Leadership Candidate Training Program: Short-term training and project supervision for veteran teachers with a desire to serve as principals and ECE directors.
CLS’s Principal Training Program: A new teacher receives a three-year assignment under the tutelage of a veteran principal/mentor and then goes back to the assignment committee for an assignment to a different school needing a principal.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CLS’s Leadership Institute Modules: A continuing education option for veteran teachers that consists of 10 four-hour leadership modules.
MS-EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION COURSES Principal Emphasis
ECE Director Emphasis Educational Leadership
Supervision of Instruction Leading the School Community Leadership for Change School Business Administration Foundations of Educational Research The Principalship
The Director as Leader
Curriculum Design and Implementation
Early Childhood Curriculum
Instruction and Assessment Electives
Development of Young Children
School Law
Legal & Ethical Issues in Early Childhood
Todd Hackbarth DMLC 1991 Onalaska WI
Dorothea Toepel DMLC 1941 Algoma WI
Ronald Hauer DMLC 1961 New Ulm MN
Esther List DMLC 1976 Norborne MO
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Focus On Join Us for the 2016 Alumni Commencement Dinner Friday, May 13, 2016, 4 pm Luther Student Center Cafeteria
Enjoy a delicious meal . . . good fellowship . . . presentations by professors . . . and then attend the 7:30 concert in Chapel of the Christ.
This year’s presenters:
Chronicling Campus History
Professor
Vice President
President
James Carlovsky
Jeff Schone
Mark Zarling
Instructional Technology
Student Life
State of the College Report
These Archives Volunteers can be found twice each month in the library researching, indexing, digitizing, translating German, documenting oral histories, tagging photos, updating the Archives database, and filing 133 years’ worth of programs, letters, records, photos, yearbooks, and newsletters. Several members contribute regularly to this magazine. All work diligently to chronicle, preserve, and present the history of ministerial education on the New Ulm campus. Lois Bode DMLC ’67 directs the group, which operates in cooperation with the MLC Alumni Relations Office.
Only $5.00 - payable on arrival Reservations are required: Call the alumni office at 507-354-8221 x387 Register online at mlcdinner15.eventbrite.com All alumni and families welcome!
Pictured: Paul Fritze DMLC ’61, Lois Bode DMLC ’67, Arnold Koelpin NWC ’53, Ruth Koelpin, David Gosdeck NWC ’65, Barb Gorsline, John Paulsen, Clarice Fastenau DMLC ’61, Lolli Paulsen, Judy Lemke DMLC ’63, Werner Lemke DMLC ’63, Lucille Wessel, Paul Willems DMLC ’64, Howard Wessel DMLC ’58, Lois Willems DMLC ’64, and Helen Krueger. Members not pictured: Art Schulz DMLC ’50, Joyce Schulz DMLC ’49, Barb Leopold DMLC ’74, Glenn Bode, and Dennis Gorsline.
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David Eberhardt DMLC 1976 Saginaw MI
Kimberly Matthies MLC 2011 Lebanon IN
Rhoda Lau DMLC 1951 Roscoe SD
Keith Kruck NWC 1961 Waukesha WI
Looking back...
By Ruth Koelpin and Clarice Fastenau DMLC '61
100 Years Ago
1916 – On September 10, 1916, Professor R. M. Albrecht was installed at DMLC to teach Methods, U.S. History, Geography, English, and Music. He continued to teach at DMLC till 1954.
75 Years Ago 1941 – The literary societies presented a dramatization of Dickens’ Oliver Twist before the Easter holidays.
50 Years Ago 1966 - Professor Carl L. Schweppe retired after serving as president of DMLC for 32 years and professor for 46 years. Professor Conrad I. Frey became the new president.
Celebrate with Class A record number of alumni are planning to reunite in the coming months—high school and college classes celebrating landmark years, a football team celebrating a landmark victory, and a group getting together just because. Whatever the reason, the MLC Alumni Relations office is glad to help.
25 Years Ago 1991 – 5500 adults and children attended the Children’s Theater presentation of The Golden Goose April 25-26. Directors of the play were Heidi Schmidt and Kristin Schaser.
10 Years Ago 2006 – Children’s Theater again presented The Golden Goose to over 5000 students from as far away as Nebraska and South Dakota. Seth Bode (Simpleton), Hannah Witte (his mother), and Paula Klose (the little old lady) were the main characters.
5 Years Ago Knights Erica Babinec and Greg Holzhueter both hit the 1000-point mark.
The following list shows those with 2016 plans that we are aware of. Check out the full list with contact info for each coordinator at mlc-wels.edu/alumni/reunions. 1946 DMLHS
May 13
MLC
1991 DMLC
Jul 9-10
MLC
1956 DMLHS
Jul 14-15
Green Bay WI
1959 DMLHS
Jul 20-21
Green Bay WI
Retired Called Workers Aug 4
Fox Valley LHS
1966 DMLHS
Aug 5-7
MLC
1981 DMLC Football
Sep 3
MLC
1970 MLA
Sep 9-10
MLC
1966 DMLC
Sep 15-17
MLC
Interested in getting something together for your group in 2017 or beyond? Contact Alumni Director Steve Balza at alumni@mlc-wels.edu or 507-217-1731 to get the ball rolling.
David Plocher NWC 1956 Glencoe MN
Fay Wagner DMLC 1971 Milton PA
Joel Radue DMLC 1986 Neenah WI
Willis Hadler DMLC 1956 Goodhue MN
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Amy Bauer 1996-1997
Ben Kuerth 2001-2002
Ryan Kolander 2009-2010
Jamie Boldt Schwartz 2007-2008
1996
1997
1998
1999
20 Years of Knight’s Award Winners In the 20-year history of Martin Luther College, hundreds of student-athletes have used their gifts on court, field, and pitch. And for 20 years, the Knight’s Award has been presented to the very best of them. The Knight’s Award is given to both a male and a female athlete who have finished their final year of eligibility at MLC. The athletic coaching staff chooses the winners based on their contribution to MLC athletics—specifically, their participation (seasons played, letters won), sportsmanship (attitude, effort, coachability, leadership, and other intangibles), and athletic excellence (MLC, UMAC, and NCAA honors). Our hats are off to these models of athletic excellence. We know that even now they continue to set the pace, using their athletic gifts as players and as coaches, and demonstrating Christian character and sportsmanship.
2000
2001
2003
2004
1995-1996
Jason Zahn
Stacey Walker
1996-1997
Christopher Johnson
Amy Bauer
1997-1998
Benjamin Lawrenz
Danette Gartner
1998-1999
Benjamin Blumer
Rachel Oblinger
1999-2000
Daniel Ross
Laura Otto
2000-2001
Micah Martin
Kelly Gawrisch
2001-2002
Ben Kuerth
Emily Hahnke
2002-2003
Mike Novotny
Annie Uecker
2003-2004
Joel Schwartz
Beth Ibisch
2004-2005
Jon Ross
Crystal Mielke
2005-2006
Daniel Unke
Katherine Valleskey
2006-2007
Caleb Kurbis
Jenny Joecks
2007-2008
Jacob Schwartz
Jamie Boldt Schwartz
2008-2009
Caleb Free
Katelyn Peter
2009-2010
Ryan Kolander
Nicole Lehman
2010-2011
Greg Holzhueter
Amanda Selle
2011-2012
Jacob Unke Joseph Lindloff
Emily Boldt
2012-2013
Scott Henrich
Jennifer Draeger
2013-2014
Justin Eternick
Bethany Schultz Rebecca Engelbrecht
2014-2015
Galen Holzhueter
Alex Anthon Maas Hannah Hackbarth
2015-2016
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2002
2005
Emily Boldt 2011-2012
2006
Scott Henrich 2012-2013
2007
2008
2009
2010
Remembering Coach Jerry Kruse Coach Jerry Kruse died 20 years ago, but his name lives on in the hearts of those who served with him and those who played for him. Jerome Kruse received his degree at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and taught public school in Escanaba, Michigan, before receiving synod certification and entering the WELS teaching ministry, where he taught and coached at all levels: 1959-1966
St. Stephen-Adrian MI
1966-1974 Michigan Lutheran Seminary-Saginaw MI taught math, science coached football, basketball, track 1974-1980 Northwestern Preparatory School-Watertown WI taught math coached football, basketball, baseball, track 1980-1995 Northwestern College-Watertown WI served as athletic director coached football, basketball, track 1995-1996 Martin Luther College-New Ulm MN served as athletic director coached basketball Coach Kruse was called home April 7, 1996, while serving his first year at the new Martin Luther College. The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference continues to honor him through the Jerome Kruse Memorial Award, given annually to the school with the most points earned through place finishes.
Bethany Schultz 2013-2014
2011
2012
Galen Holzhueter 2014-2015
2013
2014
2015
20 Years of the UMAC Jerome Kruse Memorial Award The Jerome Kruse Memorial Award was established by the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference in 1996 in honor of Mr. Jerome Kruse, longtime athletic director of Northwestern College-Watertown WI and Martin Luther College-New Ulm MN. The UMAC website explains: “Mr. Kruse’s life ended early, and because of his dedication to the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference and to the student athlete, the award was created in honor of him. The annual award travels to the college with the most points accumulated by the place finishes of the college’s athletic teams in the final standings of 18 conference sponsored sports.” Only three colleges in the conference have called this trophy their own. St. Scholastica-Duluth MN, the largest college in the conference, has won the award 11 times. Northwestern College-Roseville MN has won the award seven times (once tying with St. Scholastica), and Martin Luther College has won the award twice—in 1998-99 and 2002-03. This 20th Kruse Award winner will be announced this summer, at the close of the 2015-16 school year.
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Meet the
Presidents
Dr. Martin Luther College President
Edmund Bliefernicht
Edmund Robert Bliefernicht (1882-1947), fifth president of Dr. Martin Luther College, championed Christian education at a time when post-WWI anti-German sentiment was waning and Germans were adapting to life in America. Specifically, the college benefitted from Bliefernicht’s mature insights and guidance during his 38+ years of service (1908-1947), 15 of those as president (1920-1935). His successor, President Carl Schweppe, paid him special tribute, noting how “his fame as an educator not only became known throughout this part of Minnesota, but throughout the whole synod.” Born in Watertown, Wisconsin, “Stubby”—as classmates called this 5'4" youth—was educated through high school in his hometown Lutheran schools. There he also began studies for the pastoral ministry, graduating from Northwestern University, Watertown, in 1903. Before attending the theological seminary in Wauwatosa, he pursued a summer session at the University of Wisconsin in classical studies, taught for a year in a one-room Christian day school at Columbus, Wisconsin, and filled a vacancy at his college alma mater. These early field experiences sharpened his appreciation for the importance of a sound Christian education. Bliefernicht was a teaching president who enjoyed the classroom. Multi-talented, his first call to a pastorate at Darfur, Minnesota, ended after only a few months when he transferred to become a full-time professor at Dr. Martin Luther College. There he married a local girl, Lydia Schapekahm. The professor, warm-hearted and modest in character, disciplined by nature, was demanding in the classroom. Male students were to wear suits and ties; females to be properly dressed; and all students to be punctual, prepared, and precise. The discipline he demanded of himself was not always well accepted by students. His accomplishments in classroom and administration made a lasting impact. He was in demand for conference essays and speeches at synodical and teachers’ conventions. He organized and edited the School Bulletin (predecessor to the Lutheran Educator), wrote An Elementary Christian Psychology, and authored A Brief History of Dr. Martin Luther College (1934). Noteworthy for campus development, he coordinated and personally supervised the building of the new Recitation Hall (1927), later called the Academic Center and now known as Wittenberg Collegiate Center. The stress took its toll. Bearing both his heavy workload and perhaps also the weight of the Depression, he suffered a severe heart attack in 1934. As a consequence he stepped down as president but continued as vice president and teacher of religion and education until his untimely death at age 64, a faithful servant to the end.
Northwestern College 1865-1869 Adam Martin 1869-1870 Lewis O. Thompson 1871-1919 Dr. August F. Ernst 1919-1959 Erwin E. Kowalke 1959-1987 Carleton Toppe 1987-1993 Robert J. Voss 1993-1995 John Braun
Dr. Martin Luther College 1884-1885 Christian J. Albrecht 1885-1893 Otto Hoyer 1893-1908 John Schaller 1908-1918 Adolph Ackermann 1918-1920 Johannes P. Meyer
1920-1935 Edmund Bliefernicht 1935-1966 Carl Schweppe 1966-1980 Conrad Frey 1980-1993 Lloyd O. Huebner 1993-1995 John Lawrenz
Martin Luther College 1994-2007 Theodore Olsen 2007-present Mark Zarling
Our gratitude to Professor Emeritus Arnold Koelpin for writing this biography and to Professor Emeritus Arthur Schulz for his research on the DMLC presidents.
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David Timm DMLC 1971 Fairfax MN
Katherine Valleskey MLC 2006 Houston TX
Joshua Schultz MLC 2011 Antioch IL
Gerhold Lemke NWC 1966 Waukegan IL
CONGREGATIONAL PARTNER GRANT PROGRAM Congregations partnering with Martin Luther College
to help prepare and support future pastors, teachers, and staff ministers
Through the MLC Congregational Partner Grant Program, congregations can encourage and support their members who want to prepare for the public ministry at Martin Luther College. The congregation awards a grant to students newly admitted to MLC, and MLC matches that grant up to $1,000 per student.
How does it work?
What else do we need to know?
• The congregation agrees to participate in the Congregational Partner Grant Program and to fund it. • The congregation designates the monies in their Congregational Partner Grant Program fund toward students who have been admitted to MLC as first-year, full-time undergraduate students. • The congregation prints and completes the Congregational Partner Grant Program form at mlc-wels.edu/go/cpgf, listing the student(s) who will receive a grant. • The congregation mails the form and the check (payable to MLC) by June 1 for the following academic year. • MLC matches the congregational grant from $250 (minimum) to $1000 (maximum) per student. • MLC matches grants received after June 1 as funds are available.
Eligibility: Only first-year, full-time, traditional undergraduate students are eligible for this program. Graduate students and continuing ed students are not eligible. Tax code restrictions: Federal and state tax code prohibits family members from providing direct support to a student of their choice through the Congregational Partner Grant Program fund for the purpose of obtaining a tax benefit. Therefore . . . • Donations to the Congregational Partner Grant Program fund should not be accepted from the students or their parents. • All donations must be directed to the fund itself, not designated for a specific student. • The congregation is encouraged to award the money in the fund equally, not designate more money toward a particular student. Student aid package: As with any grant or scholarship, the monies awarded to a student through a Congregational Partner Grant may limit the student’s eligibility for government assistance.
THE APPLICATION FORM CAN BE FOUND AT MLC-WELS.EDU/GO/CPGF. Please send form and check (payable to MLC) to . . .
MLC Congregational Partner Grant Program 1995 Luther Court New Ulm MN 56073 Due date: June 1
Applications and checks received by MLC after the June 1 deadline will be matched by MLC as funds are available.
Questions?
877.MLC.1995 ottersmj@mlc-wels.edu
Walter Bonitz DMLC 1946 Mellen WI
Jacob Wagner MLC 2006 Grafton WI
Elizabeth Geisert DMLC 1981 Ogallala NE
Michael Killinger MLC 2001 Sebewaing MI
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SOLA Support & Outreach Legacy Association To UNITE and THANK donors who have included Martin Luther College in their estate plans and to ENCOURAGE others in the grace of giving.
Meet SOLA Member LeRoy Lothert:
“Godliness and Contentment Is Great Gain” Retired Pastor LeRoy Lothert, now 87, says he learned early in life the lesson of 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” His parents raised LeRoy and his seven younger siblings on a 160-acre farm they rented north of Morton, Minnesota. They didn’t have much. So when he began his studies at Dr. Martin Luther High School in 1942, he did so with financial help—help that was tied to an early form of “work-study” on campus. “My name was always on the morning snow-shoveling list before 8:00 am morning chapel,” he says. “I also had to scrub the kitchen floor on my hands and knees and help with washing the dishes.” When he graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1954 and was assigned as a tutor at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, LeRoy and the other tutors received $125 in salary for the year, plus board and room. “We served with godliness and contentment,” he remembers.
The grants from the Timothy Fund go to MLC preseminary students who, like the young Leroy at DMLHS in the 1940s, have financial need. Each grant comes with a letter encouraging the MLC preseminary student to become a faithful Timothy. Just a few years ago, Pastor Lothert decided to increase the size of the fund by buying a life insurance policy and naming the Timothy Endowment Fund as the beneficiary. But he didn’t stop there. In 2015, Pastor Lothert established a similar endowment fund at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He named it the Aaron Endowment Fund, a reference to Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ arms during the battle against Amalek. “It’s important that we hold up the hands of our students financially as they go out into ministry,” he says. These grants also come with an encouragement letter, asking these future pastors to support others financially, especially at the ends of their ministries: “I remind them to become Aarons at the end of their ministries if the Lord has well blessed them.” Pastor Lothert’s gifts are the fruit of his contentment, yes— and also his gratitude. “We need to appreciate how much the Lord has blessed our church body so that today we have the sound teachings of his Word, that God has blessed us with many students who are eager to study and do church work, that we have faithful professors in our synodical schools who are training up our students, and that we have the opportunity to take this message out into all the world.
A rich life of parish ministry followed as he served at congregations in Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri before retiring and moving back in 1998 to his roots in Morton, Minnesota, and two years ago downsizing to an efficiency apartment in New Ulm. It’s “that truth about contentment” again, he says. “I am very content downsizing and living here. Thanks be to God for what he has done in my life and attitude!” Remembering well his own financial need as a young man pursuing the pastoral ministry, Pastor Lothert established
the Timothy Endowment Fund at Martin Luther College in 1996 and designated it as the recipient of his estate.
“I am amazed at the end of my life,” he continues, “that the Lord has so well blessed me when I consider my humble beginnings. I have not been blessed with a wife or children. But I am grateful that I can leave such a legacy to support future church workers.”
donors who chose Martin Luther College for their Thank you toThrivent Choice dollars! You gave, and we’re grateful! ®
$24,458 Martin Luther College $ 2,039 MLC Alumni Association $ 4,658 MLC Early Childhood Ed $31,155 Total 28 mlc-wels.edu
The Shepherd Society Founded in 2008, the Shepherd Society is comprised of called workers who have been recognized for making a difference in people’s lives through their ministries. The called workers nominated for the Shepherd Society receive a commemorative plaque with a personal Certificate of Appreciation from the MLC president. Bruce Backer Richard & Lois Balge Siegbert Becker Dustin Bergene Forrest & Sue Bivens Steven D. Bode Keith Bowe Paul Bowe John & Irene Brug Dan & Kathy Bruss Ronald Brutlag Norman Burger, Jr. Leroy & Betty Dobberstein Ann Dorn Paul Eckert Don & Clarice Fastenau Arthur Frenz Verlyn Fuhrmann Richard Gibson David Gosdeck Barbara Green Gene Gronholz Jimmy Groth Robert Guenther
Beverlee Haar Susan Haar Harold Hagedorn Jon & Linda Hahm Don & Harriet Hartwig Michael Hein Richard Hennig Greg Hermanson Marilyn Jonas Gerhard Kaniess Dennis Kempf Philip Koelpin David Kuehl Timothy Kujath Lyle Lange Mark Lenz Barb Leopold Cheryl Loomis Phil Leyrer Steve Loehr Daniel Malchow Carla Melendy James Oldfield Theodore Olsen
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Pwithhilip Ln D. Bode gratitude eyrer for shepherd ing Godhis work of ’s
with grat itude fo r his worpe To train shepherd k ofople To train M futuarretincaLuth future calledinwg God’s peop le lled er orkers, Cokellege wor a gift ha rs, aingihi in his ho s s been gi nor by th ft hahos no berenbygiRo ve bert Md Lu ven to e MLC Admiss n to an LulethLaetsch ions Dep artincil llege artment er Co “As ou r shephe rd he alon increase g with the Sp has, of God d our love an irit, ’s Word d and will knowledge .” (Bob an d Lucie)
Armin & Virginia Panning Paul Patterson Ronald Pape Peggy Pekrul Jackson Petrie Herb & Char Prahl Esther & Virgil Raasch Rob Raasch Darvin Raddatz Wendy Ristow Karen Rodewald Dave & Sande Sauer Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Schauer Hillmer John Schaible Doug Scherschel Ron & Roseann Schultz Edmund Schulz Richard Schwerin Joel & Carly Seifert
Martin Sponholz John & Carrie Steinbrenner William Steinbrenner Burton Stensberg Doug Stindt Steve Strieter Alan Treder Earle Treptow Paul & Donna Tullberg David & Janice Valleskey Bob & Bonnie Wasser Kathy Walz Chad White Kenneth White Erin E. Williams Ronald Winter Mark Zarling David Zietlow
Anyone may nominate a pastor, teacher, or staff minister for the Shepherd Society by filling out a form (see below) and sending it to Martin Luther College along with a gift of gratitude. It’s a great way to honor a special person, support the training of future called workers at MLC, and glorify the Good Shepherd!
I want to honor a special called worker! Your Name_________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________ City ____________________ State ______ Zip ____________ Phone _____________________________________ Email (opt) ____________________________________________ My gift of gratitude to MLC: $ ____ $100
$150
$200
$250 $_____
I’m giving this gift in honor of_________________________________________________________________________ (Name of WELS pastor, teacher, or staff minister)
Congregation and/or school where called worker serves/served:_____________________________________________ My Words of Gratitude: “I’m grateful to to [called worker’s name]__________________________________________ because___________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please remit to The Shepherd Society, Martin Luther College, New Ulm MN 56073
Professor James Carlovsky MLC ’02, along with Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ’78, was a featured guest on the January 20 WELSTech Podcast “Learning to Teach with Tech,” highlighting recent enhancements in teaching and learning with technology at MLC. Professor Paul Grubbs MLC ’01 gave the educational keynote address, “Literacy as an Enterprise of Faith,” as well as the sectional “Revisiting Writing Across the Curriculum” at the Metro Milwaukee Teachers’ Conference in March. Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ’78 chaired the Commission on IT and Distance Learning meeting for the National Council for Private School Accreditation in Orlando in January. Professor Earl Heidtke DMLC ’73, academic dean for education, presented “Integrating Geography” at the Lake Lutheran Teachers’ Conference at Good Shepherd-Downers Grove IL in February. Professors Emeritus Susan Haar DMLC ’65 and Carla Melendy presented “ECE Math and Literacy” at the Metro Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers’ Conference in Waukesha WI in March. Professor Thomas Hunter DMLC ’75 was appointed to the WELS Specialized Training Program Coordinating Group, which evaluates and develops training options for individuals who wish to minister in their home countries or within their own culture groups. Professor Emeritus Roger Klockziem DMLC ’63 served on a WELSSA team for the accreditation of St. Paul Lutheran School-St. James MN in January. Dr. Klockziem also taught the MLC/WLC co-sponsored marine ecology course at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory of the West Indies University in Jamaica. See article on page 12. Professor Paul Koelpin WLS ’90 presented “Antinomianism: Appeal and Antidote” to the Minnesota River Valley Pastors’ Conference in November. Dr. Lyle Lange WLS ’69 conducts a weekly Bible class at the Highland Regency House, a senior living facility near MLC’s campus. Dr. John Meyer DMLC ’87, director of graduate studies and continuing education, co-presented “Introduction to the WELS Teaching Standards” with James Rademan DMLC ’82 at the Shoreland LHS Principals’ Conference in January. Meyer also co-authored The WELS Principal Position: Time, Training, and Compensation with Rademan, Earle Treptow WLS ’93,
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James Sievert DMLC ’74, and Eric Brown DMLC ’91. This survey report was distributed via our blog Issues in Lutheran Education. Dr. Lawrence Olson WLS ’83 was appointed to the South Asia Administrative Committee, which is responsible for the oversight of work in India, Nepal, and Pakistan for WELS World Missions. Professor Matthew Pearson MLC ’97 serves on the Heart of New Ulm Leadership Team, which works to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of New Ulm area residents. Professor Jon Roux DMLC ’94 presented a Sunday school teaching workshop for several churches at Beautiful Savior-Spooner WI in September. He also presented “The Nuts and Bolts of Writing Workshop” at the Metro Milwaukee Teachers’ Conference in March. Professor Jon Schaefer MLC ’02 presented “Analyzing Student Work” at the Pacific Northwest Teachers’ Conference in March. Professor Tingting Zhang Schwartz made a chapel presentation and then taught a religion course, “God in Ancient China,” and a Chinese language class to the international students of St. Croix Lutheran Grades 6-12 in St. Paul. Professor David Sellnow WLS ’86 published a book through WELS Prison Ministry and Multi-Language Publications: The Lord Cares for Me: Stories and Thoughts on Psalm 23. Professor Mark Stein DMLC ’92 earned his MS in higher education administration with a specialization in enrollment management from Capella University. Professor Steven Thiesfeldt DMLC ’74 was elected to a three-year term as chair of St. John-New Ulm. Dr. Wayne Wagner DMLC ’72 was elected to Brown County (MN) Historical Society Board of Trustees. Professor Emeritus David Wendler DMLC ’70 was appointed to the University Council of Jamaica’s Education Standards Committee in November. He meets monthly with the council via Skype, and he was onsite in March to train their university assessors. Dr. Wendler also continues his work with the Higher Learning Commission, recently conducting evaluations of education locations in Seattle, St. Louis, San Diego, Dallas, Orlando, and Syracuse NY. Professor Emeritus Frederick Wulff DMLC ‘59 has self-published Meet Me in St. Louis: A Guidebook through Outskirts Press. This is his sixth book.
College-Caribbean Connection Professors Present at Caribbean Conference MLC played a key role in the second Caribbean Called Workers Conference in Antigua, West Indies, in October 2015. “Building God’s Kingdom” was the theme of the conference attended by pastors and teachers from Grace-Grenada, Trinity-St. Lucia, and St. John’s-Antigua, the host congregation. President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 led the spiritual focus of the conference, presenting the keynote “Build Only and Always on Christ,” based on Colossians 1:17, 2:2-3: “[Christ] is before all things, and in him all things hold together. . . . Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” He also presented four workshops, each focused on an Old Testament narrative and its applications for leadership and for urgency in sharing the gospel.
a different ministry and culture, and growing in faith—all while discussing ways to manipulate the bodies God made.” Principal Molyneaux sees the conference as an extension of the ever-growing Martin Luther College—Caribbean connection, a partnership that includes Caribbean students studying at MLC, and MLC students and graduates experiencing Caribbean ministry through short-term Early Field Experiences and long-term classroom teaching stints. “We look forward to the continued partnership with the college,” he says, “as the opportunities are endless.”
The pedagogical focus of the conference was physical education. Professor Daniel Gawrisch MLC ’08, Professor Emeritus Jack Gronholz MLC ’68, and Breanna Olson MLC ’12 led plenary sessions and grade-level small groups under the physical education theme “Learning to Move/Moving to Learn.” A $10,000 Antioch Grant funded travel expenses, SPARK physical education curriculum guides, and PE equipment for the schools. “The conference was a success,” said Joey Molyneaux MLC ’12, principal of St. John’s-Antigua, pictured. “Approximately 50 people from different ‘worlds’ gathered on an island to discuss physical education. The result: fellowship, encouragement, experiencing Dan Gawrisch, Breanna Olson, and Jack Gronholz in downtown St. John
Mathematics Curriculum Conference at MLC Seven Martin Luther College professors presented at the two-day Mathematics Curriculum Conference hosted by the Southwest Minnesota Principals’ Conference on the MLC campus this winter. Professors James Carlovsky MLC ’02, Cindy Whaley DMLC ’76, Joyce Diels DMLC ’73, Jen Krause MLC ’96 (pictured), Paul Tess DMLC ’77, and Professors Emeritus Susan Haar DMLC ’65 and Carla Melendy presented on 16 different topics for K-12 teachers and then met with the teachers in grade-level breakouts. The conference was divided between two days, one each in January and February, to afford teachers more learning opportunities. It was attended by MLC math majors and 84 WELS area teachers.
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It’s the “social” event of the year! With an emphasis on social media, MLC Day will allow supporters across the globe to celebrate God’s blessings to MLC! We invite you to follow our celebration activities online, PRAY for our mission and ministry, SHARE our message with friends, and GIVE to support that work. Want more information? Want to help spread the word? Visit our website and watch for MLC Day posts on our Facebook page. Or contact us at mlcday@mlc-wels.edu.
MLC Day—it’s the start of something big!